Sheryl Crow, the 49-year-old musician and mom to sons Wyatt, 4, and Levi, 1, talks about her cookbook, If It Makes You Healthy; saying prayers; and the power of potato chips.

Good Housekeeping: What's the best part of your day? Sheryl Crow: At night, lying down with the kids and talking to Wyatt about what went on during the day — what's in his little head.

GH: When you're all on the road, what counts as family time?SC: We have dinner at 6 P.M. every night. It's the way I grew up, and it's the best way to get to know your kids. We talk about what's happening in our lives and try to keep one conversation going.

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GH: Any other rituals with your children?SC: We all say our prayers every night. We each have our list of gratitudes. I remember one night, Wyatt said he was grateful for sand.

GH: Is there a parenting rule you always break?SC: I said I would never put a video in front of my kid. While I don't use videos as a babysitter, they have come in handy on the airplane.

GH: What three words describe you as a mom?SC: Being an older mom, I'm super mellow with my kids. Also, "curious" and "loving."

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GH: How do you take a time-out for yourself?SC: I try to ride my horses three times a week. It's nice to be out in nature, where you can't take a phone call.

GH: What inspired you to write the cookbook? SC: Before I was diagnosed [with breast cancer], I didn't know much about food in relation to wellness and disease. Now I do, and I wanted to share that.

GH: What's on your nightstand? SC: Books — and my baby monitor, so I know what's going on with the kids.

GH: Any guilty pleasures?SC: Lay's potato chips and Grey's Anatomy.

GH: Do you have girls' nights out?SC: Yes! I have a great circle of girlfriends who are all moms. Every couple of weeks, we have margaritas and talk about the kids and what's going on in our lives. None of us are too wild and crazy anymore, so it's all about the conversation.